The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley is extremely fortunate to be home to the Intel Computer Clubhouse, a place where young people learn how to use professional software for design, exploration and experimentation. In the clubhouse, sponsored by the Vadasz Family Foundation, young people can explore what it’s like to be an architect, engineer, composer, artist, journalist, scientific researcher, computer programmer and a wide array of other professions.
The Bob and Carolyn J. Stone Recording Studio is housed in the Computer Clubhouse and is packed with professional-quality equipment dedicated to youth, including an electric piano, synthesizer, guitar, bass guitar and electric drum set, as well as garage band software. Sonoma Valley High School students are taking advantage of the studio for their senior projects. One student is writing, recording and mixing music to create an album, and using the ICC computers to design the album’s cover art. He is also acting as a clubhouse mentor, working with the younger members on the various programs. Eighth-grade member Lorenzo is having a great time learning sound engineering and mixing skills. He’s discovered a whole new world, and maybe even a future profession.
Sonoma Valley youth who are not Boys & Girls Clubs members are welcome to stop by and check out the clubhouse and recording studio. The possibilities for senior projects are endless, and the club has lots of ideas for students. The ICC is always looking for creative people to act as clubhouse mentors; no specific software or musical experience is required, just a creative mind and a positive attitude.
The club is open for extended hours on Friday evenings, from 7 to 9 p.m., for middle school students – a terrific time to take advantage of all that the Intel Computer Clubhouse and recording studio have to offer. To arrange a tour of the clubhouse, contact clubhouse coordinator Jimi Conners at 707.938.8544, ext. 118 or jconners@bgcvom.org. For more information on the Intel Computer Clubhouse visit www.bgcvom.org or www.computerclubhouse.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs
Member Highlight
Jesus Molina is a seventh-grader at Altimira Middle School and a Boys & Girls Clubs Maxwell Clubhouse member. He belongs to the Boys & Girls Club Running Club, Sports Club and Junior Staff. As a Junior Staff member, Jesus assists clubhouse staff in setting up games for the younger members, helps during the after-school homework PowerHour program and runs the golf putting-green area. In the recent Vintage Festival 5k Run – only the second race Jesus has run – he took second place in the kids’ division and placed ninth overall, with a time of 21.39. This summer, Jesus was one of eight Boys & Girls Clubs members that were able to attend Camp Mendocino, thanks to funds raised at the Sweetheart Auction. Jesus set a Camp Mendocino climbing wall record on the adventure ropes course. The Boys and Girls Clubs staff really appreciates Jesus’ willingness to help and his infectious sense of humor.
